David Njoku is cleared for the Raiders game but another player’s return will mean more for the Browns

The Browns got some good news on Thursday.

The Browns are looking at an uphill battle come Saturday, as Cleveland is depleted and down 22 players heading into their game against the Raiders. Most of them, including Baker Mayfield, Wyatt Teller, and Jarvis Landry is out due to testing positive for COVID-19. The Browns however got some good news on Thursday when it was announced that tight end and the team’s leading receiver David Njoku was cleared to return to the team. Yet, it was the announcement that another tight end, Stephen Carlson, that should make fans hopeful.

Carlson isn’t a huge passing threat, but with the Browns offensive line in tatters at the moment due to the loss of Teller and Jerdrick Wills for the game, and the continued loss of Jack Conklin, the team needs help blocking, which is why he’s on the team. He’s one heck of a blocker. With three of five starting offensive linemen out, as well as starting tight end Austin Hooper and key reserved tight end Harrison Bryant, Carlson is going to get a lot of snaps.

While Njoku is the team’s leading receiver, with the state of the offensive line the way it is, and the lack of key receivers, the Browns will likely refrain from testing the Raiders pass defense to often. After all, this offensive line had issues before they lost Teller and Wills.

The odds that Njoku will make much of an impact aren’t as high as some would think. Carlson’s blocking skills will likely come in far more handy in this specific game.

Stephen Carlson and Andy Janovich are going to be keys for the Browns

The Browns are going to need Carlson to step up and be a major blocker like he was in 2020. If the Browns can get him and Andy Janovich heavily involved in the running game, they may be able to offset any issue that Blake Hance, Michael Dunn, or James Hudson may have adapting to the offensive line.

The lack of a sturdy offensive line is the biggest issue the offense will face. While Keenum isn’t one to attack a defense in the first place, the thought of him throwing deep to anyone just went out the window with the lack of solid and sturdy protection.

Carlson isn’t going to help Keenum stretch the defense any, but his frame and strength should help the Browns open up some holes that haven’t been there over their last two games.

Not having to face the Ravens on Saturday is also a great thing. The Ravens are considered the best run-stopping team in the league, while Las Vegas is 7th worst in the league. It’s very possible that Cleveland can muster an actual attempt to win this game even with a squad made up of backups and practice squad guys.